STRIKE LIKELY

Hokitika Guardian, 2 May 1932, Page 6

STRIKE LIKELY

DISMISSAL OF EMPLOYEES.

MEN DEMAND REINSTATION

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, May 1

The action of tlie Cliristcimreli 1 raniwav Board in dismissing twelie men, was discussed at a meeting of tne Christchurch Tramway Employees Union lliis morning. Although n < statement was issued for public alien, it is under.stood that the men decide., to demand the reinstatement of those dismissed, and railing this, to declare a striin* on Wednesday.

The dispute arose over the Boards ■action in rationing the men in order to absorb a surplus of workers in the Traffic Department. Both parties consented io an agreement whereby ea.li man went off work without pay for one dav’ in every three weeks.

it was shown that, through sickness, resignations and others causes the surplus men would be absorbed, and it was agreed that the agreement should terminate on March 31st. It was found that there was ..still a snrplns'oT men. and the Works and Traffic Committee of the Board suggested to the Union that the rationing should be continued. The Union declined this proposal, and in a, report submitted at the last meeting of.the Board, directions were given for the staff to he reduced at once. This report was adopted and tile men were dismissed.

BOARD REPLIES TO MEN

WORK OR 'LEAVE ITS EMPLOY

CHRISTCHURCH, May 2

Replying to the men’s threat of a strike unless the twelve dismissed men are reinstated, the Tramway Board has sent a circular letter to c-very employee. one paragraph of which stnt:-s: “The Board wishes its .staff to understand that refusal to work on Wednesday, or later, will mean the termination of employment by the employee himself, and the men so acting will receive from the Government authoi it-ios the refund of their contributions to the National Provident bund. The Boaid will also receive the refund of moneys it has paid in the past in lespect of each employee, and the whole pension scheme., which has proved so beneficial in past years to men who reach the retiring age, will he broken in respect to the men who leave work. The men themselves will also of course, give up their employment with the Board.”

The men are asked to lot the tralfic manager know by Tuesday whether they will continue work.